Premier League clubs are reportedly becoming fearful of the possibility that Saudi Pro League sides could start targeting more and more players in their respective primes.
That’s according to a report from The Telegraph, which claims that the Premier League’s biggest hitters are preparing for a decade of lavish spending by the mega-rich Middle Eastern sides. It goes on to say the English sides are working under the assumption that these sides from the Pro League will be able to hoover up Europe’s top talents.
This comes as a raft of Premier League stars are being convinced to make the move to Saudi Arabia. Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Fabinho, and N’golo Kante, just to name a few. Karim Benzema, who is one of Europe’s elite strikers, also made the move.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, also own four Saudi Pro League sides – these are Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr. With the backing and the wealth that the PIF bring, they reportedly want to make the SPL one of the best leagues in the world.
Saudi’s riches worry Europe’s elite
According to the same report, Europe’s elite are worried that Saudi’s big four may well start targeting players in their prime. The new empowerment given to players with regard to contracts could lead to players making the move, or these players demanding a significant hike to their current wages.
Al-Hilal, recently, put in an audacious £259 million bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, the French side accepted the offer but the forward turned them down.
This shift towards younger stars is sure to worry the footballing elite. Victor Osimhen has also been targeted by the Saudi club, as they offered the Nigerian £1 million a week, according to Sky Sports.
With the Saudi League also closing three weeks after the Premier League does, this could well be a summer of anxiety for England’s big six.
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